Aquarium

Aquarium supplies cover the tanks, filters and equipment that keep freshwater and saltwater fish healthy at home. Our range covers glass and acrylic aquarium tanks, internal and external filter canisters, water pumps and powerheads, aquarium lights, heaters and thermostats, decorations and substrate, and starter kits for first-time aquarium keepers. Aquarium products from $30, with most quality tanks and equipment between $80 and $300. Stock is held across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, dispatching within 1–2 business days.

What do I need to start a freshwater aquarium?

A starter freshwater aquarium needs seven pieces of equipment: a glass or acrylic tank (50–100L is a forgiving starter size), a filter rated for the tank volume (over-rated by 20–30% is better than under-rated), a heater with thermostat (for tropical fish), an LED light hood (8–10 hours daily), an air pump and stone for oxygenation, gravel or sand substrate (5–7cm deep), and basic decorations or live plants for fish to shelter behind. Add a water test kit and a small fish net. Total starter equipment runs $200–400. Buy and set up the tank a full week before adding fish — the water needs to cycle and stabilise.

What types of aquarium supplies are available?

What size tank should a beginner buy?

Counterintuitively, larger tanks are easier for beginners. A 75–100L tank holds water chemistry far more stably than a 20L tank — small water-quality issues don't spike to dangerous levels as quickly. A 100L tank costs around $150–250 for the tank alone; the bigger filter and heater push the total starter setup to $350–500. If budget is tight, a 50L tank is workable but you'll need to do water tests more often during the first 6 months. Avoid the 10–20L "goldfish bowl" sizes entirely — they're too small for any fish to live healthily and create more problems than they solve for new aquarists.

Quick buyer's checklist

• Tank size: Bigger is more forgiving for beginners
• Filter rating: Over-rated by 20–30% beats under-rated
• Heater wattage: 1–2 watts per litre of water for tropical fish
• Substrate depth: 5–7cm of gravel or sand
• Test kits: pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate — essential for first 6 months
• Cycling: Wait 1–2 weeks after setup before adding fish

How often do I need to maintain an aquarium?

Aquarium maintenance is light but consistent. Weekly: a 20–30% partial water change with conditioner-treated tap water, glass-front wipe to remove algae, water test to check parameters. Monthly: filter media rinse (in tank water, never tap water), substrate gravel-vacuum during the water change, light bulb check. Every 6–12 months: full filter media replacement, deeper substrate clean, equipment inspection. Heater replacement every 3–5 years. The whole maintenance routine runs 30–60 minutes per week for an average tank. Skipping water changes is the most common cause of fish health issues — nitrate buildup and pH drift kill fish slowly even when the water looks clear.

How much do aquarium supplies cost in Australia?

Aquarium supplies at Simple Deals start from $30 for basic accessories and water conditioners. Most starter-tank setups (tank, filter, heater, light) sit between $200 and $400, with larger and saltwater-capable setups running higher. All aquarium supplies dispatch within 1–2 business days from our Australian warehouses.

What most pet stores won't admit

Almost every aquarium supply sold online in Australia is imported from China — including ours. The real difference is not where the equipment is made, it's what happens after it lands in Australia. Marketplaces dropship straight from overseas containers, which is why "fast delivery" stretches into six weeks. We import in bulk, hold stock across our Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane warehouses, and ship from there.

The other thing nobody mentions: most aquarium starter kits include a filter that's under-rated for the tank size. A 100L tank starter kit often comes with a filter rated for 80L — it technically works but runs at full capacity all the time, ages faster, and gives less margin when fish stocking goes up. Buying the tank separately and choosing a filter rated for 120–150L (one size up from the tank) gives quieter operation, longer filter life and better water quality. The cost difference is around $40–80.

Frequently asked questions

What if my aquarium product arrives damaged?
Contact us within 7 days with photos. We will arrange a replacement or refund under the 12-month warranty. Glass tanks are well-packed but check carefully on receipt before filling.

Do you sell fish?
No — we don't ship live fish. Buy fish from a local aquarium store or breeder once your tank has fully cycled (typically 1–2 weeks after setup).

How long does delivery take?
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 3–5 business days. Perth and Adelaide: 5–8 days. Regional and remote areas: 7–14 days. Larger tanks may require longer transit due to weight and freight handling.

Can I pay with Afterpay, Zip or PayPal?
Yes, all three. A $300 aquarium setup works out to four payments of $75 with Afterpay, four payments of $75 with PayPal Pay in 4, or roughly $25 a month with Zip over 12 months. Klarna is also available.

What's the warranty?
12 months on manufacturing defects, plus 15-day returns on unused items in original packaging.

Complete the aquarium setup

Aquarium supplies cover the tank and equipment, and a few pieces round out the fish-keeping kit. Most aquarists pair the tank with three other essentials: a general pet care range for water conditioners and test kits, a pest control approach for the room around the tank, and a bird supplies range if you're considering a multi-species pet household.

Why us

Simple Deals — family-run since 2018. Australian warehouse stock. Support on 1300 456 786. Afterpay, Zip, Klarna and PayPal. 12-month warranty, 15-day returns. 4.66★ from 5,363 verified reviews.